CHAMPION SCHOOL

Auckland Star, Volume LXVII, Issue 102, 1 May 1936, Page 5

CHAMPION SCHOOL

EASTERN DISTRICTS.

MEADOWBANK SWIMMERS

MAYOR'S CHALLENGE SHIELD.

Having proved itself the possessor of I the swimming champions of the four ■ eastern city primary schools for the, j>ast season, the Meadowbank School was presented to-day by the Mayor, Mi. J Ernest Davis, with a fine challenge i shield, donated by Mr. Davis himself. This was the first presentation of the shield, for which competition is beingheld annually between the Meadowbank,. Kohimarama, St. Helicr's and St. J Ignatius schools. | "It is only a small thing," said Mr. i Davis after words of welcome had been spoken. "It is my very great pleasure to be of any assistance whatever to any kind of sport, and more particularly those that have to do with the water." The sport of swimming, he went on, had a deep meaning, in that it taught lifepreservation —the saving of ones own life and the ability to help others. It was a healthy and worth-while sport. He paid a tribute to those who had worked to further it in the eastern district, mentioning in particular the school committee and the officers of the Eastern Suburbs Swimming and Life Saving Club. He had really enjoyed his visit to the school and advised the assembled children to do their utmost to please their teachers and their parents and to become good citizens of the State. Mr Davis shook hands with Velda Simmons, who had been outstanding in the competition, and for whom he announced his intention of having a special brooch made. Geraldine ya.e, the school prefect, received the shield from Mr. Davis on behalf of the school, and pennants from the Eastern Suburbs Club were presented to Velda Simmons, ; Jessie Upeun, Maisie Stretton, Bert

Upson and John Pierce, the champions] of different events. Rousing cheers were given for Mr. Davis. The headmaster, Mr. J. F. Roberts, welcomed the Mayor, Mr. H. Duncan deputy-chairman of the committee, and expressed gratitude for the interest Ml. Davis was taking in swimming. Mr. L. Munro, chairman of the Eastern Suburbs Club, urged the children to take a deeper interest, if it was possible, in the sport, j Also present were Mr. G. W. 8011, vice- ( chairman, and Mr. W. A. Stockley, score- i tary and coach of the club, members of | the committee and parents. |